DNA, fingerprints lead to arrest in 1999 kidnapping

W.Va. News

Jan 11, 2019

SOMERSET, Pa. (AP) — Authorities say DNA and fingerprints helped lead to an arrest in the kidnapping of a Pennsylvania girl nearly 20 years ago.
Pennsylvania State Police on Thursday provided more details about the investigation that led to the arrest of 50-year-old Timothy Nelson in Cumberland, Maryland, on Tuesday.
Police say Nelson snatched the 10-year-old off the street in Cairnbrook, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 19, 1999 and drove her to West Virginia, where she was assaulted. She was later released.
DNA analysis of a brown bag in 2004 linked the case to two unsolved kidnappings in Hagerstown, Maryland. Authorities say they were eventually able to use DNA and fingerprints on the bag to identify a suspect.
Trooper Jeff Brock, who worked the case from the start, says it’s about bringing closure.
Nelson is held on $75,000 bail.